the-kreizler-institute

[the-kreizler-institute]

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[the-kreizler-institute]

I can't BELIEVE I haven't found a single Daforge smut fic in which Data has bodyparts stuck in a certain position somehow

[the-kreizler-institute]

Another scene in The Measure of A Man I want to touch on is the scene in the Observation Lounge, in which Maddox explains his plans for Data to Picard and Riker. First and foremost, we need to talk about the seating arrangment; how and where each character sits around the table.

Picard, of course, sits at the head of the table. Riker sits to Picard's right, Maddox sits to Picard's left (across from Riker), and Data sits left of Maddox.

By sitting in this manner, Maddox can talk to Picard and Riker while literally turning his back on Data, thereby not only verbally excluding him from the conversation (by not addressing him at all until forced to, and, one could argue, by calling him "it", although that's a bit more nuanced) but also literally blocking Data from joining the conversation with his body. Maddox sits leaned forward, which means Picard must lean sideways to even be able to see Data behind Maddox, which we can see him do.

And this seating arrangement is important!! It is a beautiful piece of visual storytelling; it shows precisely what the dynamic between Maddox and Data is and adds to the verbal cues we get.

But there's so much moreeee!

Like I said, Maddox doesn't actually address Data until Data asks him if he's constructed a positronic brain. He looks to Data with full confidence-- even a degree of smugness-- and confirms that he has. When Data bombards him with (VALID ASF) questions about how he'll work around certain issues, Maddox averts his gaze, only looking at Data sporadically, until he doesn't look at him anymore at all. Then he turns fully to Picard and Riker when he says: "I do not anticipate any problems", a sense of finality to his tone. It effectively stops Data from asking further questions.

Fortunately, Riker and Picard aren't convinced either, and here is where the dynamic of the scene shifts. Instead of Maddox's intended triangle of himself, Picard and Riker with Data on the outside, it now seems more like he sits surrounded; trapped between Picard, Riker and Data as they each ask him critical questions. We can physically see the shift in Maddox's body language-- he ducks his head, shifts around and makes himself look smaller. It's clear he now feels intimidated. Backed in a corner and with Picard telling him he won't allow Data to submit to the tests, he finally pulls out the transfer orders.

This scene is SO POWERFUL in how it visually sets up the dynamics between each of these characters, and how Maddox physically disrupts the pre-existing dynamic. It's a prime example of how the placement of characters and camera work can be used to tell a whole story without words. Idk who was in charge of this creative decision, but they deserve a standing ovation OMGGG

Again, I have the scene here-- it's zoomed and sped up but it's the only one I could find. I cut it off after Picard tells Maddox no, but immediately after that he pulls out the transfer orders and the scene ends.

[the-kreizler-institute]

AIGHT LOOK the episode The Measure Of A Man is fucking good (and painful and still relevant) but everyone always talks about the Trial itself! And while that is the major plotpoint of the episode, it means some of the more interesting details are getting snowed under, so LET'S GOOOO

In this post specifically I want to touch on what the episode implies about the concept of instinct and how it applies to Data.

In the opening scene, we get one of the, if not the first instance of the senior officers playing poker together. When Riker wins against Data by bluffing, Data asks how he knew Data would fold. Pulaski then replies with: "Instinct, Data."

Later in the episode, when Maddox and the admiral are led around the Bridge, Maddox keeps his eyes on Data almost constantly. We get a shot of Data from the back, in which he appears to suspect or sense somehow that he is being watched; he turns around and locks eyes with Maddox.

Mind you, we know that Data has seen Maddox enter the Bridge, but he doesn't appear to react to his presence. Data being an android wouldn't need to recheck to confirm what he's already seen, and on top of that I can imagine it would be bad form for an officer to turn around and gape at the captain's guests while on duty. I can't see another reason why Data would turn around, is the point.

Regardless, when he turns back forward, he looks pensive, confused or vaguely disturbed (you pick whichever suits best), blinking a few times as though he's trying to make sense of something, before almost visibly shrugging it off. When Wesley comes in view of the camera, we can see him watching Data with a similar expression, as though he also noticed Data's behavior and is equally as confused by it.

The episode doesn't call back to this moment, nor does the show as a whole, and after that, Maddox opens his mouth and we get to the actual meat of the episode and this moment is all but forgotten about. But it's so fascinating!! Because I do think it implies Data can sense that he's being watched-- can feel the prickling of eyes on his back-- which is not something just any old computer would pick up on. I think it's one of the more subtle ways in which the show tries to tell us that Data is, in fact, sentient.

Aight the quality is kind of shitty and it's zoomed in but it's the only video of this moment I could find on YouTube (again, everyone always talks about the trial) but this way you can see what I mean🫡

[the-kreizler-institute]

Still not over Star Trek Picard lying to me and saying Geordi is bad at making friends. My man is so good at making friends it almost destroyed the Borg. He befriended a Romulan who wanted to kill him in a matter of hours and avoided a diplomatic incident because of it. His best fucking friend is a guy who didn't even know he was capable of friendship before Geordi. He's the best at making friends

[the-kreizler-institute]

i’m looking at the way data interacts with children and i think he’s completely meant to be a parent, or a parent figure. this isn’t a claim i have made about literally any character ever, but i feel like it’s true for him. he’s just so kind, and so willing to connect and explain and protect. he doesn’t take offense to children acting childishly, nor does he restrict them because they’re “only children”. he’s patient, but not condescending. he won’t dumb anything down, but he’ll elaborate as much as they need as long as they ask. he makes genuine effort to understand their perspectives and thoughts, and treats children as actual, sentient, intelligent beings. he’s willing to have actual engaging conversations with them. he’s never dismissive, and you can tell he’s genuinely interested in what kids have to say. however, he’s not overly lenient. he’s willing to admit his faults, but he will make a kid take accountability for their own actions. he’ll establish rules and boundaries, teach important life lessons, provide guidance and mentorship - in fewer words, he is literally the best father figure a kid could ask for.

[the-kreizler-institute]

one of the most subtly devastating moments in Brothers is when Lore, in disbelief over Noonien's shitty arguments for disassembling him, looks to Data for support, backup, reassurance, understanding, any kind of indication that Data has Lore's back, and there's just. nothing like that there. Data is in his own little world of affirmations. but look at Lore here. he doesnt know that yet. hes just like "are you hearing this shit?!" thinking Data might care about this injustice...

[the-kreizler-institute]

Been trying to show y'all my Lore cosplay for WEEKS but for some reason Tumblr won't post it?? Anyway here it finally is!!

I'M SO PROUDDD LOOK AT MY BOYYYY

[the-kreizler-institute]

Hey so remember when Data said

"you make me wish I were an only child"

to Lore in Datalore?

Because I do. What the fuck was that lmfao

[the-kreizler-institute]

So I finished the first two episodes of Star Trek TNG...

[the-kreizler-institute]

Every time I come on this app I see ppl awed with Brent Spiner's talent and YES this man can do it all (holy fuck) but I'm also lowkey begging y'all to know that homeboy was an established Broadway actor before he started on TNG

[the-kreizler-institute]

God THIS BRO EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS

Does anyone wanna talk about Lore in 'Brothers" because my god ..... the WEALTH in that gold mine of an episode....

Firstly, Lore is so not evil in that episode at first. He shows up, realizes that he was not called for on purpose, and, because he's hurt and insecure he decides to fucking dip ! He's more upset than vengeful. And he almost does leave, until Soong says he's dying .... And this is I think when we get to see genuine emotion from Lore in the whole series. When he stops and turns and he looks crushed.

"Dying? What do you mean you're dying? You're not that old! You're fine! You look fine!"

Such horrible devastation in his voice poor thang.

Above it all, he's sad to lose him. Even though later in the episode he is obviously mad and bitter, as he feels that Soong does not care for him as he does for Data (middle child syndrome), and that's why he takes the chip. "You don't fill Data with substandard parts." That's what causes his 180, that, after all this time, Soong still doesn't love him like he loves Data. He deserves that chip! He was broken, and instead of fixing him and loving him he shut him off and built Data. I'd be mad too tbh.

Unfortunately, because Soong did program his android with mental illness, he lashes out far worse than he should. Yada yada.

I guess its my fave episode because Lore is so unabashedly genuine for most of it. Its great insight into his character, and his weird little idiosyncrasies! His ticks! Drumming his fingers on his arms, smacking random things around in the room because he's peeved, putting his tongue in his cheek. Singing because he's just quirky like that. It's delicious.

You can also see exactly when he decides to trick them both, to take the chip. Riiiiiight here.

Its a great ep. He's so complex. If only we got more time with him.

[the-kreizler-institute]

Just casually stroking your hand down your coworker’s back as you walk by…

[the-kreizler-institute]

DEADASS LMFAO

Data: I am incapable of emotions, therefore it is not possible for me to ever be offended by anything

Data the second someone says something rude to him:

[the-kreizler-institute]

Data: "Why do you do the thing you do?"

Someone else: "We do the thing because we do the thing"

Data: "This was entirely unhelpful, thank you."

[the-kreizler-institute]

Pausing my Star Trek ramblings to post something a lot more serious, but with the way things are going, I feel like I have to.

The other day I had a conversation with a family member, and while it was all very civil and respectful, it shook loose some shit I'm still trying to gather.

They vote politically right, and while I don't, I'm in theory chill with it for two reasons. First, the political system in my country is more like a gradient than a binary; there's things like progressive right and center-right, so voting right does not necessarily mean far right. Second, I firmly believe that for a successful society, you need political influences of both left (community focused) and right (economy focused), so in theory I understand the current trend of voting right (concerning historic patterns aside).

Thing is, though, they also know I'm trans, and that I have every intention to start transitioning in the next few years. And as we talked, they said that they worry for me and my safety-- they can recognize that with the way our political situation seems to be going (which is more and more towards the far right), my safety may come at risk further down the line. They then asked me if it is wise to transition, if it's not safer not to and to stay as I am. And while I understand and appreciate their concern for my safety, let me make one thing very clear:

In this manner of thinking, the responsibility of my safety in this society is placed on me. If I would just stay in hiding, if I would just disguise myself and suppress who I am, I will not be at risk. This is not fair.

First and foremost, I shouldn't have to think about my safety, I should just be safe. But second of all, I should be able to rely on this society, on my government, to keep me safe-- for there to be consequences and justice if someone does try to harm me simply because I exist.

If the only way for our economy to thrive is by sacrificing people's lives and safety, then our system is fundamentally flawed. If one can "fix" our society by getting rid of certain people, it is fundamentally flawed. This rhetoric has a name: fascism. Call the beast by its name.

If the people you gave power will build your perfect future on the suffering and erasure and corpses of other people, it makes you complicit.

What did you think to accomplish by telling me you're worried for my safety when our political system makes a massive swing to the right-- which you voted for? When the government you voted for comes for my right to transition, my access to proper medical care, and then my right and access to public spaces in the name of "public safety", when they take my passport and my right and ability to go where I please, do you think you're absolved from any responsibility because you told me you were worried for my safety?

Do you really think I'll ease your conscience and assure your soul because you tell me you care about my safety while you give power to the very people who put my safety at risk?

Let me tell you something. When you give power to a government, to people, who will put my life in danger because of their own bigotry; who will take away my access to medical care, who will force me to out myself and make myself vulnerable and who will do nothing to protect me from people who will try to hurt me-- when my body ends up beaten to a pulp in the streets, my blood will be on your hands.

You handed these people the axe. You don't get to act like you weren't part of it when they behead me with it.

[the-kreizler-institute]

HOLY FUCK BUT YOU'RE SO RIGHT

Edit cuz I'm not done lmfao: I've been screaming into the void for years that Lore and Dr Soong are far more alike than either of them would probably like to admit, but this detail just really sealed the deal for me

Part of me wonders to what extent the two might've been aware of their similarities (and how they might've reacted to that realization) and whether that played any role in the events on Omicron Theta and their relationship to one another

isn’t it wild lore did exactly what their father would have done in the end. an escape plan that didn’t include anyone but himself. deciding he could never reconcile data not being what he wanted him to be. abandoning data. rinse repeat. congratulations you became your father